The Department of Defense Inspector General released a report today arguing that the proposed move of almost 6,500 workers to the Mark Center would result in “extreme traffic congestion with possible gridlock conditions” in the West End of Alexandria. The report, the second Inspectors General  report to criticize the move, states that the influx of traffic would cause  safety issues for both Mark Center employees and the immediate community.

Senator Warner and Congressman Jim Moran spoke to reporters this afternoon about the report.

“Anyone who has been in the area knows the terrible traffic we've been dealing with,” Senator Warner said. “The Army needs to take a time out on putting more people in the building until we have transportation improvements in place.” 

In July, Senators Warner and Webb, and Reps. Gerry Conolly and Moran wrote Secretary Panetta to express their concern with the plan, and the Army’s failure to collaborate with the Virginia delegation and local governments. 

“Legislation has passed the House of Representatives and is pending before the Senate that would impose a statutory restriction of 1,000 spaces if you fail to act. We therefore ask that you immediately reconsider and revise the recently released occupation schedule and transportation plan for the Mark Center complex by incorporating a self-imposed parking restriction in order to mitigate failing levels of service to any local roadway or intersection.”

As the Army has not acted on the delegation’s concerns, Senator Warner said today he would be contacting Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta directly about the IG report. “We have two studies now, enough is enough,” he said.